Annual kick-off meeting of the Nagel-Group COO with country, regional and branch managers

Presentation of the new COO structure and development of common goals

The time had finally come – Nagel-Group’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO), Jens Kleiner, met with his management team from the headquarters as well as the country, regional and branch managers during a two-day annual kick-off meeting. The first item on the agenda was the presentation of the food logistics company’s new COO structure, responsibilities and key economic objectives. A short presentation was followed by a lively discussion. Cross-national possibilities, opportunities and challenges were highlighted in order to form a strong and efficient operations team in Europe, which interlinks the individual interfaces of the COO organization even more closely.

The second day of the event focused on the development of common economic goals against the backdrop of the current volatile times. In mixed teams and several workshop sequences, the participants developed measures for quality assurance while simultaneously optimizing costs. They also analyzed whether these are realistic, profitable and feasible. For example, the focus is to be placed on reducing vacancy marketing in the warehouse area through better capacity utilization and planning as well as investing in alternative drives. In addition, the aim is to optimize the network through strategic partnerships, including with the STEF Group, the European specialist for temperature-sensitive logistics.

The teams presented their results to the entire group and received feedback from the COO, Jens Kleiner, and the members of his management team. The suggestions were rated positively across the board and will be further specified and implemented in the coming months. Kleiner was extremely satisfied at the end. “A great team spirit has emerged over the past few days – in addition to developing common goals, this was just as important to us. We have a wonderful team and a great vision.”

The interactive format of the annual kick-off meeting was also very well received by the country and branch managers. Johannes Boelter, Branch Manager Achim-Uphusen, said: “The open dialog and interactive work will promote our cooperation in the long term.” Robert Katafiasz, Managing Director of Nagel Polska, added: “I liked the relaxed atmosphere, which was also supported by the specified dress code (Nagel-Group hoodies), as well as the focus on team development.”

As the event took place at the Hotel “Im Engel” in Warendorf, where all participants stayed overnight, there was plenty of opportunity to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere after the official program. This was particularly important for Mirco Fritsche, Branch Manager Kehl, as the event marked the start of his career at Nagel-Group. “I couldn’t have wished for a better start to my first days at work – I made a lot of important contacts in one go.”

The meeting will be held twice a year from now on, the next time in August for the planning phase. The annual budget for 2025 and the return to be achieved per branch will be determined. “We will then also review what has become of the implementation of the measures defined in the workshops,” Jens Kleiner concluded.